Co-op Live Manchester Strengthens Leadership Team In UK

Co-op Live has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointments of Russel Sang as Finance Director and Shane Mates as Venue Director.

Russel Sang joins with more than two decades of experience in senior finance roles, including over 21 years at Birmingham’s NEC Group, where he served as Group Finance Director and Chief Financial Officer. A Chartered Accountant trained with Ernst & Young, Sang has a proven track record of driving transformational change in live entertainment venues, leading cross-functional teams and delivering complex business projects across finance, operations, HR and IT.

At Co-op Live, Sang will lead the financial strategy for the venue, supporting its long-term growth and commercial performance.

Shane Mates brings 25 years of international experience across the sport and entertainment sectors, with a strong track record in venue management and major event delivery. He has held senior leadership roles across Australia, the UK and Ireland, including Director of Venues at Melbourne & Olympic Parks, where he oversaw the commercial and operational management of multiple world-class venues, including Rod Laver Arena and AAMI Park.

More recently, Mates served as Head of Operations at Aiken Promotions, delivering major stadium events across Ireland, before taking on a General Manager role with Gather & Gather at the RDS in Dublin.

In his new role as Venue Director, Shane will oversee all operational aspects of Co-op Live, including venue management, production and fan experience, ensuring the delivery of world-class live entertainment.

Comments:

Russel Sang, Finance Director, Co-op Live, “I’m delighted to join Co-op Live and to support the next phase of its growth. It’s a remarkable venue with a clear vision and significant potential, and I look forward to contributing to its long-term success. My focus will be on building a strong financial platform that enables innovation, operational excellence and sustainable commercial performance.”

Shane Mates, Venue Director, Co-op Live, “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Co-op Live at such a pivotal moment. The opportunity to help shape the operational delivery of what is already one of the most ambitious live entertainment venues in the world is hugely compelling. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about creating exceptional event experiences for fans, artists and partners alike, and I look forward to working with the team to establish Co-op Live as a benchmark for venue excellence in the UK and internationally.”

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